Google Home update adds hooks to Netflix, Google Photos, and Santa

Personal assistant Google Home gets a little smarter this week, learning a few new tricks along the way. An update to the Google Home app helps the standalone device talk with Netflix and Google Photos.

Netflix

As part of the update, subscribers to Netflix can say things such as, “Ok Google, play Narcos from Netflix on my TV” and having exactly that happen. This is a quick and easy way to have your virtual assistant spring into action, readying your favorite programs.

Google Photos

Additionally, it’s possible to pull up geo-located photos from Google Photos to have them display, too. Try something like, “Ok Google, show me my photos from San Francisco” and you’ll be able to see them. Because Google Photos is already really smart, users should be able to search for, and view, photos by topics and tags as well. Examples here might include beach, dogs, selfies, sunset, snow, and food.

Santa

Each year Google makes it fun to track Santa as he makes his trek across the globe. Typically, this is done inside of Google Maps; however, this year is different. Children, and parents, can use Google Home to help locate the jolly fat guy. It’s as simple as, “Ok Google, where’s Santa right now?” It still ties into Google Maps, but it’s a whole lot cooler when you can use your voice.

YouTube Red Promotion

As if the Google Home was not already compelling enough to purchase on its own, Google is making it even easier to consider one. Anyone who purchases a Google Home before the end of the year can earn a free six-month subscription to YouTube Red. That’s right, you’ll have an ad-free YouTube experience across desktop, mobile, and even consoles, too.

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